For simplicity and consistency, the term ‘le tautala’ is used to refer to the phenomenon
of pupil silence in the classroom, which is commonly displayed by those who are fully
capable of speech. Although the term ‘le gagana’, which loosely translates as the silence
displayed by a person without a language, could be used, it was decided to use the word le
tautala because a person can use any different form of a language such as verbal (i.e.
talking, singing, crying), textual (i.e. writing or texting), or non-verbal (i.e. gestures, facial
expressions, body language or even sign language) to communicate effectively. Besides,
just because a person has decided not to speak, does not necessarily mean, that person has
no language or nothing to say.